The Mansfield swimming squad which has produced the likes of Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington OBE will come under new management following a decision made by Mansfield District Council to save cash. The Mansfield Nova swim squad has been run and financially supported by the authority since 1992.
As well as the double Olympic champion Ms Adlington, other successes include Paralympic champions Ollie Hynd MBE, Sam Hynd and Charlotte Henshaw MBE. A decision was approved by the council on August 16 to transfer the management and day-to-day operations of the squad to Nottinghamshire ASA County Swim Squad/Nova Centurion SC, which will commence January 1, 2023.
The council said that, while value of the squad was recognised, the council had to consider options to secure its long term future. “If the squad were to continue to remain under the council, its future could remain uncertain,” said David Evans, Head of Health and Communities at Mansfield District Council.
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He said: “Nottinghamshire ASA County Swim Squad/Nova Centurion SC are an experienced organisation already operating swim squads, including national and international level coaching, around the county including Nottingham City and Newark and Sherwood – so it felt right for the council to passport operations over to them. Knowing they have significant experience in the successful running of these clubs – Mansfield’s swim squad will be in safe hands.”
The changeover of management will save the council £44,881 savings for the council. The Mansfield squad is currently the only remaining council-operated swimming development squad in the county, and it has been supported solely by the council since 2012.
The swim squad – who are celebrating their 30th birthday this year - can continue to train in Mansfield at the Water Meadows Swimming and Fitness Complex and the future of the squad is secured with protection through a new leisure management contract secured with Serco Leisure and More Leisure Community Trust in May of this year. Marie Clay, leisure centre manager for Mansfield District Council, said: “Handing over the operation of the squad to Nottinghamshire ASA County Swim Squad/Nova Centurion SC provides the council with budget savings but also ensures a viable future operating model.
"This will maintain the presence of a high standing swim squad within the district, enabling the continuation of a clear pathway through to development and performance swimming. This will help to build a sustainable legacy, following previous successes.
“To have provided 10 years of additional support – which other squads in the county haven’t received – is testament to the council’s passion for the club to have a long-term future. With this change of management, the club can go forward into 2023 knowing they still will be able to train in Mansfield– with the support and backing of Mansfield District Council and Serco Leisure.”
To ensure the sustainability of the club, the team size will be reduced from a three tier to a two tier squad and the capacity will also be reduced from 64 swimmers to 48. This will be closely managed in the coming months to ensure a minimum number of swimmers are affected by this change and selections for these squads will take place in the autumn.
Successful negotiations have also taken place between Nottinghamshire ASA County Swim Squad/Nova Centurion SC, the council and More Leisure Community Trust to discuss how the squad training times could be amended to better utilise the pool space in the district, whilst providing a continued swimming squad presence and also to increase the public swimming and swimming lesson space for the community.
Nathan Hilton, director of coaching at Nottinghamshire ASA County Swim Squad/Nova Centurion SC, added: “We have significant experience in transitioning council-led swim squads, and understand that whilst any kind of change may seem daunting – we ensure our swimmers continue to receive a seamless service that they deserve and need to flourish. We’re committed to delivering – and excelling - a swimming squad that will run successfully just like Mansfield District Council has provided for the last 30 years.”
Over the last 30 years, the swim squad – led by swimming development coach Glenn Smith - has not only produced Olympian and Paralympian champion swimmers, but has also seen successes with the likes of Callum Lawson - Paralympic Games reserve finalist in Athens, 2004, and silver medallist at the IPC World Championships, in Durban, 2006. As well as achievements for swimmers who made the Senior British Championship Finals, National Youth Championship and Age Group Medals – amongst many other accolades.
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